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Arnold backed for Socceroos job as Ryan pays tribute to Postecoglou

18 December 2017 08:02

Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan said he would love to work under Graham Arnold amid growing reports the former Socceroos head coach could replace Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou walked away from the Socceroos following Australia's successful World Cup play-off against Honduras in November, and there is speculation that Football Federation Australia (FFA) has offered the job to Sydney FC boss Arnold.

Arnold has dismissed the claims, while A-League champions Sydney FC reportedly warned FFA to stay away from the 54-year-old ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

The former Australia international briefly took charge of the Socceroos following Guus Hiddink's departure in 2006 – overseeing a disappointing 2007 Asian Cup campaign, while he handed Brighton and Hove Albion star Ryan his debut at the Central Coast Mariners.

"He valued me as an important part of the team," the 25-year-old added. "Everyone bought into his philosophy.

"He wanted to change the perception that Australia isn't a football nation, that we can play attractive football. He didn't fear any opposition, whether it was Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan, or Germany or Holland, we went in with a similar approach, not changing philosophy. Fear factor was evident under Ange, no excuses."